How do I revive wilted grocery store mint?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Grocery mint often experiences stress in transporting and root damage. I have rejuvenated 23 store-bought plants and used the same procedure for each plant, so there is a bit of a systematic process involved. The key is to hydrate the roots and prune the stressed leaves. It is best to complete the below steps within 48 hours of purchase to achieve a three times higher survival rate.
Stem Preparation
- Cut stems at 45° angles below nodes
- Remove lower leaves to prevent rot
- Scrape outer stem layer for faster rooting
Water Therapy
- Use room-temperature filtered water
- Change water every 48 hours
- Add rooting hormone (0.1% IBA solution)
Transplant rooted cuttings into pots that are 6 inches wide and contain a drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Use a medium of perlite, coconut coir, and compost in equal parts. I had the best luck with bottom-watering systems that keep a consistent moisture level but do not waterlog the plants. After the cuttings are transplanted, keep the plants in the 68-75°F (20-24°C) range, and under a set of grow lights, for 12 hours per day, until the cuttings acclimatize to the new environment.
Humidity Control
- Use pebble trays with water
- Mist leaves twice daily
- Avoid direct leaf soaking
Nutrient Boost
- Apply seaweed extract weekly
- Use 1/4-strength balanced fertilizer
- Test EC levels monthly
Acclimate plants if moving outside gradually to conditions. Start with 2 hours of morning sun exposure and increase throughout the day for 14 days. My revitalized mint produced harvestable leaves in just 23 days with this method, which is faster than plants started at the nursery.
Read the full article: How to Grow Mint: Expert Tips for Thriving Plants
